Building structure



Nov. 8, 1966 J. R. CARLTON 3,

BUILDING STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 25. 1965 INVENTOR- /0///V ,6. 6142A 70M ATTORNEY 5.

. Nov. 8, 1966 J. R. CARLTON 3,283,456

BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Jan. 25, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 fiflaannmm M i ac f INVENTOR.

Jay/v E. 015170 ATTORNEYS:

United States Patent 3,283,456 BUILDING STRUCTURE John R. Carlton, 1618 Altamont Ave., Richmond, Va. Filed Jan. 25, 1963, Ser. No. 253,857 3 Claims. (Cl. 52223) This invention relates to a building structure and comprises a continuation-in-part of myv co-pending application Serial No. 851,628 filed November 9, 1959, entitled Building Structure and now abandoned.

This invention relates to building structures and more particularly to building structures wherein the roofs or ceilings are formed of preformed, pre-stressed, reinforced concrete slabs, the slabs having depending flanges or leg portions, positioned intermediately of the slab and in spaced relation therewith so that when several slabs are arranged in the usual parallel relation to form a roof, floor, or ceiling, the depending flanges form, in conjunction with each other and with the adjacent flange-s of adjacent slabs, a plurality of parallel rows of longitudinal or transverse channels of equal width, relative to the interior of the building.

A primary object of this invention is the provision of means for utilizing the otherwise wasted space embodied in these channels, and thereby not only to increase the usable space interiorly of the building, but to reduce construction costs, which would necessarily be involved in providing suflicient height from the floor to the roof of the interior of the building structure for the necessary servicing circuits such as, for example, cooling, lighting, sprinkles, water mains, air or gas lines, and the like.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an improved means for closing or sealing 01f certain channels to provide air ducts for high velocity air at a high output to provide ventilation, heating, cooling or other similar functions.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of an improved means associated with the flanges or legs of the concrete slabs, to facilitate the attachment of partioning members which enclose not only the bottoms of certain channels, but also the ends thereof, if desired.

Still other objects reside in the combinations of elements, arragements of parts, and features of construction, all as will be pointed out hereinafter as the description of the invention proceeds and shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary top plan view showing a portion of a ceiling constructed in accordance with the instant invention, with a longitudinal duct formed at the bottom thereof by the addition of a base plate or closure.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 22 of FIGURE 1 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 33 of FIGURE 2 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary enlarged detail view of a portion of the construction disclosed in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 but showing an end panel in position in the central channel, and

additional apparatus which may be employed in the chan- I 3,283,456 Patented Nov. 8, 1966 FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 88 of FIGURE 7 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows; and

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIGURE 2, but showing a modified form of bottom panel support.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawing.

Having reference now to the drawing in detail, and more particularly to FIGURE 1, there is generally indicated at 10 a floor or ceiling construction comprised of a plurality of panels 11, which are juxtaposed as indicated at 12 longitudinally, and positioned in side by side relation as indicated at 13.

As best shown in FIGURE 2, each of the panels 11 is comprised of reinforced concrete, precast and prestressed, containing reinforcement wire, or rods 14. Each panel 11 consists of a central portion 15 having a pair of depending tapered flanges or legs 16 and a pair of horizontally extending aligned flanges 17. The central portion 15 and flanges 17 comprise a plain top or floor surface as desired, and it is to be pointed out that the central portion 15 is of a dimension, [from the center line of the depending flanges 16, approximately equal to twice that of the horizontal flanges 17, when taken from the center line of the depending flanges 16 so that when a pair of slabs 11 are aligned in parallel relation with the flanges 16 extending in parallelism, the distance between the flange 16 of one panel and the flange 16 of an adjacent panel is substantially equal to the distance between the two depending flanges 16 of the single panel.

The depending flanges 15 extend the full length of the panels and provide continuous unobstructed channels having open ends. When the panels are arranged in juxtaposed position 'with the channels aligned, as shown in FIG. 1, the channels form continuous, unobstructed ducts extending substantially the entire length or width of the building structure, in accordance with the direction in which the slabs are laid. These ducts may be employed for a wide variety of purposes.

The precast, prestressed concrete panels, known as double Ts, extend substantially the entire length of the building.

As best shown in FIGURE 2, the ends of flanges 17 are beveled or tapered as at 18 to provide for mastic or other sealant 19 therebetween.

FIGURE 3 discloses particularly the junction 12 between two adjacent longitudinally aligned panels 11, the junction being normally closed by means of a sheet metal strip 20 of generally U-shaped configuration which corresponds to the interior configuration of the channel formed between adjacent flanges 16, and which is provided along its edges with a sealing head 21 of mastic, forming a substantially airtight seal at the longitudinal juncture of the aligned slabs.

In one embodiment of the invention when it is desired to employ a channel for the transmission of air under pressure, or the like, a bottom plate 22 of any desired length is applied transversely between adjacent depending flanges 16. The edge of the bottom plate 22 is upturned as at 23, and a mastic bead 24 is applied along the corner thereof adjacent its juncture with the depending flange or leg 16, prior to the attachment of the plate or pan to the flanges. In the construction as disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 4, the vertical flange 23 is bent outwardly as at 25, and thence inwardly as at 26 and downwardly as at 27, to proquently be applied after the installation of the pans along 5, the desired length of the beam. The floor or ceiling assembly may be supported in any i desired manner as by transversely extending beams 30 which may be of either preformed, pre-stressed concrete, or steel I-beams or other desired construction. The ends of panels 22 may be connected in any desired manner, with the portions 23 being overlapped, and a suitable bar slip connection being provided for the portions 1 22, the assembly being sealed by mastic in any desired l manner. When it is desired to divide the ducts extending longitudinally of the slabs, a suitable sealed end panel may be provided as indicated at 35, the panel being of a configuration as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6 completely to close the channel, and being provided with a peripheral flange 36 about its entire periphery, the flange 36 having a mastic bead 37 applied to its outer surface to adhere the same to the depending flanges 16, and top panel 15.

A modified form of end panel is disclosed in FIGURES 7 and 8, and takes the form of a sheet 40 dimensioned to I fit between the bottom plates 22, the bottom of a top panel 15 and the adjacent depending flanges 16. Panel 40 is I provided with an internally extending flange 41, which is engaged by a double S lock seam, the ends of which are indicated at 42 and 43 in the central portion at 44. The lock seams are provided for adjusting the length of end plates to adjust to variance in the width of the legs or flanges 16, such as may occur during manufacture. As best shown in FIGURE 8, the bottom flange 41a is provided with a reverted portion 45 which is re-reverted as at 46 to overlap the edge of the adjacent panel 22.

FIGURE 9 shows a modified form of bottom panel construction which includes a plate 50 having a depending flange 51 and an outwardly extending flange 52, the flange 52 engaging one side of an adhesive coated sponge rubber gasket 53 positioned along the bottom of the adjacent leg 16.

A pair of aligned parallel angle iron members 54 extend along the sides of adjacent leg 16, and are secured as by means of pins 55 shot into the concrete of the legs or flanges 16. Self-tapping metal screws 56 are employed in the connection of the panels 50 to the opposed inwardly extending flanges of the angle iron members 54.

It will be obvious that the ducts formed by panels 50 closing the bottoms of the channels may be suitably apertured to permit the ingress and exit of air, either heated or cooled, and either under normal pressure or forced draft in accordance with the requirements to which the device may be put. It will be equally apparent that the longitudinal channels may be divided by transverse end panels at requisite points, and that as many or as few of the longitudinally extending channels of a ceiling or floor -as desired may be employed as air ducts.

Intervening spaces, as disclosed in FIGURE 5, may contain hangers 60 for water pipes 61, or electric conduit 62, for sprinkler systems, electrical wiring, or any other piping which may be necessary.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided an improved building structure which accomplishes all the objects of this invention, and others, including many advantages of great practical utility and commercial importance.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the various embodiments hereinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. In a building construction, the combination comprising a plurality of precast, pre-stressed, generally rectangular joined slab each of said slabs including a top, in-

tegral downwardly extending spaced parallel flanges and integral marginal extensions along two edges thereof adjacent said flanges, said top and parallel flanges defining an elongated channel, said marginal extensions each having a transverse dimension equal to one-half the transverse dimension of said top, the marginal extensions and adjacent flanges of adjacent joined slabs each defining a channel of equal dimension to the dimension of the channel defined by said top and integral spaced parallel flange of each slab, means extending between said ad jacent flanges and removably secured thereto to enclose said channels, said last-mentioned means including bottom plates having upturned flanges along their edges, said flanges having outwardly and thence inwardly extending top portions with reverted reinforcing strips depending from the inwardly extending portions, and pins extending through said reinforcing strips and upturned flanges engaged in the concrete of the adjacent parallel flange of the slab.

2. In a building construction, the combination COIII". prising a plurality of precast, prestressed, generally rectangular joined slabs, each of said slabs including a top, integral downwardly extending spaced parallel flanges and integral marginal extensions along two edges thereof adjacent said flanges, said top and parallel flanges defining an elongated channel, said marginal extensions each having a transverse dimension equal to one-half the transverse dimension of said top, the marginal extensions and adjacent flanges of adjacent joined slabs each defining a channel of equal dimension to the dimension of the channel defined by said top and integral spaced parallel flange of each slab, means extending between said adjacent flanges, and removably secured thereto, to enclose said channels, said last-mentioned means including bottom plates having upturned flanges along their edges, said flanges having outwardly and thence inwardly extending top portions with reverted reinforcing strips depending from the inwardly extending portions, pins extending through said reinforcing strips and upturned flanges engaged in the concrete of the adjacent parallel flange of the slab,

and end closure means including a flanged end plate extending transversely across a channel and mastic sealing beads interposed between the adjacent concrete flanges and the underside of the adjacent slab and the flange of the end plate.

3. In a building construction, the combination comprising a plurality of precast, pre-stressed, generally rectangular joined slabs, each of said slabs including a top, integral downwardly extending spaced parallel flanges and integral marginal extensions along two edges thereof adjacent said flanges, said top and parallel flanges defining an elongated channel, said marginal extensions each having a transverse dimension equal to one-half the trans verse dimension of said top, the marginal extensions and adjacent flanges of adjacent joined slabs each defining a channel of equal dimension to the dimension of the channel defined by said top and integral spaced parallel flange of each slab, means extending between said adjacent flanges and removably secured thereto to enclose said channels, said last-mentioned means including bottom plates having upturned flanges along their edges, said flanges having outwardly and thence inwardly extending top portions with reverted reinforcing strips depending from the inwardly extending portions, pins extending through said reinforcing strips and upturned fiauges'enw gaged in the concrete of the adjacent parallel flange of the slab, and end closure means including a flanged end plate extending transversely across a channel and mastic sealing beads interposed between the adjacent concrete flanges and the underside of the adjacent slab and. the

flange of the end plate, mastic sealing beads along the marginal edges of said upturned flanges and additional mastic sealing beads interposed between said concrete 5 6 flanges and said bottom plates at the juncture of said FOREIGN PATENTS plates and their upturned flanges with the adjacent edge 1,041,876 6/1953 France of the concrete flange 1,129,998 9/1956 France.

472,499 9/1937 Great Britain.

References Cited by the Examiner 5 494 594 10 1 3 Great i i UNITED STATES PATENTS 731,972 6/1955 Great Britain. Re. 22,569 11/1944 Abeles 52 223 462,782 4/1951 Italy- 1,526,730 2/1925 Zottoli 52 351 RICHARD W. COOKE, ]R., Primary Examiner. 2,184,137 12/1939 Brewer 52-229 HENRY c, SUTHERLAND, FRANK L. ABBOTT, 2,198,450 4/1940 Chertkof 52 200 Examiners,

2,783,639 3/1957 Werner 52-221 1. L. RIDGILL, Assistant Examiner. 

2. IN A BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF PRECAST, PRE-STRESSED, GENERALLY RECTANGULAR JOINED SLABS, EACH OF SAID SLABS INCLUDING A TOP, INTEGRAL DOWNWARDLY EXTENDING SPACED PARALLEL FLANGES AND INTEGRAL MARGINAL EXTENSIONS ALONG TWO EDGES THEREOF ADJACENT SAID FLANGES, SAID TOP AND PARALLEL FLANGES DEFINING AN ELONGATED CHANNEL, SAID MARGINAL EXTENSIONS EACH HAVING A TRANSVERSE DIMENSION EQUAL TO ONE-HALF THE TRANSVERSE DIMENSION OF SAID TOP, THE MARGINAL EXTENSIONS AND ADJACENT FLANGES OF ADJACENT JOINED SLABS EACH DEFINING A CHANNEL OF EQUAL DIMENSION TO THE DIMENSION OF THE CHANNEL DEFINED BY SAID TOP AND INTEGRAL SPACED PARALLEL FLANGE OF EACH SLAB, MEANS EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID ADJACENT FLANGES AND REMOVABLY SECURED THERETO TO ENCLOSE SAID CHANNELS, SAID LAST-MENTIONED MEANS INCLUDING BOTTOM PLATES HAVING UPTURNED FLANGES ALONG THEIR EDGES, SAID FLANGES HAVING OUTWARDLY AND THENCE INWARDLY EXTENDING TOP PORTIONS WITH REVERTED REINFORCING STRIPS DEPENDING FROM THE INWARDLY EXTENDING PORTIONS, PINS EXTENDING THROUGH SAID REINFORCING STRIPS AND UPTURNED FLANGES ENGAGED IN THE CONCRETE OF THE ADJACENT PARALLEL FLANGE OF THE SLAB, AND END CLOSURE MEANS INCLUDING A FLANGED END PLATE EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY ACROSS A CHANNEL AND MASTIC SEALING BEADS INTERPOSED BETWEEN THE ADJACENT CONCRETE FLANGES AND THE UNDERSIDE OF THE ADJACENT SLAB AND THE FLANGE OF THE END PLATE. 